Automatically transmitting images from an electronic camera to a service provider using a network configuration file

ABSTRACT

A network configuration file is generated at a host computer and downloaded to a digital camera. This file contains instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon which allows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired or wireless communications interface to a desired destination, which among other possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digital photofinishing center. When the user selects this option, the communications port settings, user account specifics, and destination connection commands are read from the network configuration file on the removable memory card. Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as well as account name and password.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a division of application U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/855,375 filed May 15, 2001 entitled “AutomaticallyTransmitting Images From An Electronic Camera To A Service ProviderUsing A Network Configuration File” by Ward et al., the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of photography, and inparticular to electronic photography. More specifically, the inventionrelates to a digital camera that interfaces with a host computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital cameras, such as the Kodak Digital Science DC25™ camera, allowimages to be utilized on a home computer (PC) and to be incorporatedinto e-mail documents and personal home pages on the World Wide Web.Presently, images must be copied to the PC and transmitted as e-mail,for example using an online service or an Internet Service Provider(ISP), via a modem from the user's PC. It would be desirable to be ableto transmit pictures directly from the digital camera instead of firsttransferring the pictures to a PC. For instance, on a vacation trip, itis desirable to immediately share pictures with friends or relatives viae-mail or Internet access. It is also desirable to transmit picturesfrom a location without PC access in order to free up camera storage totake additional pictures. There are a wide variety of connection meansto online services such as America On Line, ISPs, and bulletin boardservices. Each of these services typically requires an account name andpassword, as well as local telephone access numbers, and specificcommunications settings. It would be difficult to provide an easy-to-usemeans with buttons or menus on a small digital camera to input and/ormodify all of these required settings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of theproblems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect ofthe communicating with a selected destination via a communicationsinterface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon whichallows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired orwireless communications interface to a desired destination, which amongother possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digitalphotofinishing center. When the user selects this option, thecommunications port settings, user account specifics, and destinationconnection commands are read from the network configuration file.Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, andstop bits, as well as account name and password.

In addition, information about which image or images to transmit isentered using the user buttons on the digital camera. This informationis used to automatically establish a connection, log-in to the desireddestination, and to transmit the image. The transmission may occurimmediately after the pictures are taken, for example if the camera hasa built-in cellular phone modem, or at a later time, when the camera isconnected to a separate unit (such as a dock, kiosk, PC, etc.) equippedwith a modem. In the latter case, a “utilization file” is created toprovide information on which images should be transmitted to whichaccount.

These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a reviewof the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments andappended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the steps used to automatically transmitimages using the network configuration file.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an image file.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing several versions of the networkconfiguration file.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Because imaging systems and devices are well known, the presentdescription will be directed in particular to elements forming part of,or cooperating more directly with, apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention. Elements not specifically shown or described hereinmay be selected from those known in the art. Some aspects of the presentdescription may be implemented in software. Unless otherwise specified,all software implementation is conventional and within the ordinaryskill in the programming arts.

A system block diagram of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 including anelectronic still camera 10, a host computer(PC) 12 and a serviceprovider 14. The camera includes an optical section 20 for imaging ascene upon a CCD sensor 22 and generating an image signal, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) 24 for displaying images and other information, anumber of user input buttons 26, both permanent memory 28 and removablememory 30, and an internal communications interface 32 (e.g., modem).This interface may connect to a variety of known networks, such as apublic switched telephone network (PSTN), ISDN, an RF cellular phonenetwork, or Ethernet. The camera 10 also includes a microprocessor 34for generally controlling the camera functions, as well as theinterchange of data with the host PC 12 and the memory card 30 through ahost PC interface 36 and a memory card interface 38, respectively.Besides the host PC 12, the system includes a network connection 40 tothe online service or ISP (Internet Service Provider) 14. Alternately,the network 40 can connect to the user's home PC 12.

When the camera 10 is first purchased (or at any time thereafter), it isconnected to the PC 12 via the host PC 36 interface and a softwareapplication (stored on a disc 45) running on the host PC 12 will enablethe user to specify the name of a destination ISP or online service andto input from the host PC keyboard 44 the appropriate communicationsettings and account information. This information generates a networkconfiguration file, which then can then be downloaded to the camera 10through the host PC interface 36, which may be a wired or infrared(e.g., IrDA) interface, and written to the camera's internal memory 28and/or the removable memory card 30. Alternatively, a host PC equippedwith a memory card reader/writer 42 can write the information directlyto the card 30 without connecting the camera through its host PCinterface 36. Also, this information could be predetermined by the userand stored in a “preferences” file on the host PC 12 and thentransferred to the camera 10 from this file without further interventionby the user. Multiple sets of destination services can be stored on thememory card 30. Typically, keyword or graphic descriptors (e.g., icons)accompany the information in the network configuration file aboutdestination services to enable easy access by the camera user.

The steps used to automatically transmit images using the networkconfiguration file are shown in FIG. 2. After disconnecting the camerafrom the host PC, the user operates the camera to take pictures (step50). This is typically done at a remote location, for example whiletraveling to another city. As the user takes or reviews images on theimage LCD display, the decision can be made to transmit one or moreimages (step 52). This is done by choosing one of the keywords or iconsin a menu 54 shown in FIG. 2, which are displayed on the LCD 24 andselected, e.g., through the user buttons 26. (Note that a camera willtypically only include a subset (only those desired by the user) of allthe different services shown.) The selected image files may be taggedwith a code (step 56) indicating which service is requested, as shown inFIG. 3. (Alternately, an “image utilization” file can be created in thecamera storing a list of images to be transmitted by a particularmethod, as described in the cross-referenced copending patentapplication (U.S. Ser. No. 60/037,963). As described in that patentapplication, the details of an order, e.g., number of print copies to bemade from an image and the size of the prints and/or a list of images tobe e-mailed to various recipients, is written into the “utilization”file, which identifies the order and includes pointers to the imagefiles that store the images required to “fulfill” the order. The“utilization” file is stored in the internal memory 28 or the memorycard 30.)

Next, the system determines whether a request exists to send an image(step 58). If no request is present, the image and associated data isstored in either permanent memory 28 or the memory card 30 (step 59).(Typically, all images are initially saved in memory whether eventuallysent or not.) Otherwise, if there is a request to send an image, theuser ensures that the camera is connected to the appropriate service(wired telephone line, cellular phone, kiosk, etc.) and pushes a “send”button in the user button section 26, or selects a “send” menu option onthe LCD 24. The camera then utilizes the appropriate networkconfiguration file, shown in FIG. 4. Each network configuration filecontains items such as the protocol type, phone number, etc., asdescribed in Appendix I. The user password may be checked against thepassword in the network configuration file to ensure that the user isauthorized to connect the camera to the desired service (step 60).Alternately, the stored password in the appropriate configuration filecan be used. Next, the camera uses the parameters in the configurationfile to establish communications with the service and send one or moreimage files as selected by the user (steps 62). The service receiverinterprets the system commands issued by the camera from the networkconfiguration file list and sends appropriate feedback (such as“transfer in progress” and “transfer complete”) which are interpreted bythe camera and displayed on the LCD 24 (steps 64).

For example, when the camera uses a normal wired telephone (PublicSwitched Telephone Network) connection (i.e., network 40) to thecamera's internal modem 32, after the user selects the images to be sentand presses the “send” button, the camera performs the following stepswithout user intervention:

-   1) Read the appropriate connection parameters from the network    configuration file (on the memory card 30 or internal camera memory    28), dial the phone and establish the connection to the destination    service 14.-   2) Read the user's account name and password and transmit these to    “log-on” to the service 14.-   3) Using the appropriate communications protocol (FTP, mailto,    etc.), transmit the selected image or images to the destination    service 14.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations andmodifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

APPENDIX I

These are descriptions of the tags listed in the previous drawing:

Protocol Type

Each communication method has its own protocol, or rules to communicate.This tag identifies that protocol and where to find it. For example, theNetwork may use TCP/IP and a modem may use XModem.

Phone Number

This is the number of the receiving service. If internet access isrequested, this could be the number of the Internet Service Provider.For ISDN, some systems require two phone numbers, dialed and connectedto in sequence.

Default Settings

Standard settings that make the communications device compatible withthe imaging device.

Modem Control String

Modem and communications devices have a command language that can setthem up before they are used. For example, modems have many optionscontrolled by command strings including volume level, the amount of timethe carrier is allowed to fail before the system hangs up, and so on.

Account Data

This can be internet account data, charge number data, phone card data,billing address, and data related to the commerce part of thetransmission.

Password

Any password needed to get into the communications system. Otherpasswords to get into the remote application or destination are locatedin the System Commands section.

System Commands

These are commands that control the end destination.

Error Protocol

In cellular and some other wireless communications, error protocols areused to increase the robustness of the link. For example, MNP10 or ETCmay be used for cellular links.

Radio Type

The type of radio used for this communications feature may be identifiedhere. Some cell phones have modems built in, others will have protocolsfor many communications functions built in. The radio type will make theimaging device adapt to the correct interface.

IOC

ISDN Ordering Code identifies what features are available on the ISDNline provided by the teleco. It is used to establish the feature set forthat communications link.

Internet Service Provider

This identifies the actual service provider and any specific informationor sequence of information that the service wants to see duringconnection and logoff. It also tells the device how to handle the returnmessages, like “time used” that are returned by the server.

Commands to Receiver

This may be a list of commands to control the receiving application. Forexample, a command to print one of the images and save the data to aparticular file on a PC may be embedded here.

Return Status Requests

This tag can set up the ability of the application to tell if an errorhas occurred, or what the status of the application might be. The datahere will help the device decide if it should continue communicating anda set user interface response can be developed around this feedback.

1. A method of transferring one or more digital images from anelectronic camera to a service, the camera including optics and an imagesensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images,a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digitalimages, a second digital memory for storing a network configurationfile, and a communications interface, the method comprising: (a) storingthe network configuration file for the service in the second digitalmemory; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate aplurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memoryas a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality ofimage signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of theplurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d)selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service inresponse to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e)initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to theservice in response to use of at least one of the plurality of userinputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automaticallyestablish communications with the service provider and to transfer theselected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to theservice provider using the communications interface; and (g) wherein thefirst digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations onthe same removable memory card.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thenetwork configuration file includes account data.
 3. The method of claim1 wherein the network configuration file is generated at least in partby a host device.
 4. A method of transferring one or more digital imagesfrom an electronic camera to a service, the camera including optics andan image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displayingimages, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storingdigital images, a second digital memory for storing a networkconfiguration file, and a communications interface, the methodcomprising: (a) storing the network configuration file for the serviceprovider in the second digital memory; (b) subsequently using the opticsand image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which arestored in the first digital memory as a plurality of digital imagesrepresentative of the plurality of image signals; (c) displaying arepresentation of at least one of the plurality of digital images on thedisplay of the electronic camera; (d) selecting at least one digitalimage for transfer to the service in response to the use of at least oneof the plurality of user inputs; (e) initiating transfer of the selectedat least one digital image to the service in response to use of at leastone of the plurality of user inputs; and (f) using the networkconfiguration file to automatically establish communications with theservice provider and to transfer the selected at least one digital imagefrom the electronic camera to the service provider using thecommunications interface; and (g) wherein the second digital memory islocated in the electronic camera and can be loaded with the networkconfiguration file from a host device.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinthe network configuration file includes account data.
 6. A method oftransferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to aservice, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generatingan image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of userinputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a seconddigital memory for storing a network configuration file, and acommunications interface, the method comprising: (a) storing the networkconfiguration file for the service in the second digital memory, whereinthe network configuration file is generated at least in part by a hostdevice; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate aplurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memoryas a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality ofimage signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of theplurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d)selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service inresponse to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e)initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to theservice in response to use of at least one of the plurality of userinputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automaticallyestablish communications with the service provider and to transfer theselected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to theservice provider using the communications interface.
 7. The method ofclaim 6 wherein the network configuration file includes account data. 8.A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electroniccamera to an online service, the camera including a first digital memoryfor storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing anetwork configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing networkconfiguration information in the second digital memory, wherein thenetwork configuration information comprises information for using acommunication network to establish a connection between the electroniccamera and an online service; (b) using the network configurationinformation to establish a connection with the online service; and (c)transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera tothe online service; and (d) wherein the first digital memory and seconddigital memory are memory locations on a removable memory.
 9. The methodof claim 8 wherein the network configuration information includes aprotocol type identifier identifying a TCP/IP protocol.
 10. The methodof claim 8 wherein the network configuration information is generated atleast in part by a host device.
 11. The method of claim 8 furtherincluding: (e) receiving information indicating the status of thetransferring the at least one digital image from the electronic camerato the online service; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.12. The method of claim 8 wherein the network configuration informationincludes account data.
 13. A method of transferring one or more digitalimages from an electronic camera to an online service, the cameraincluding a first digital memory for storing digital images and a seconddigital memory for storing a network configuration file, the methodcomprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the seconddigital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprisesinformation for using a communication network to establish a connectionbetween the electronic camera and an online service, and is generated atleast in part by a host device; (b) using the network configurationinformation to establish a connection with the online service; and (c)transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera tothe online service.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the networkconfiguration information includes a protocol type identifieridentifying a TCP/IP protocol.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein thefirst digital memory and the second digital memory are memory locationson a removable memory.
 16. The method of claim 13 further including: (e)receiving information indicating the status of the transferring the atleast one digital image from the electronic camera to the onlineservice; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.
 17. The methodof claim 13 wherein the network configuration information includesaccount data.
 18. A method of transferring one or more digital imagesfrom an electronic camera to a service, the camera including a firstdigital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memoryfor storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a)storing network configuration information in the second digital memory,wherein the network configuration information comprises information forusing a communication network to establish a connection between theelectronic camera and a service; (b) using the network configurationinformation to establish a connection with the service; and (c)transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera tothe service; and (d) wherein the first digital memory and second digitalmemory are memory locations on a removable memory.
 19. The method ofclaim 18 wherein the network configuration information includes aprotocol type identifier identifying a TCP/IP protocol.
 20. The methodof claim 18 wherein the network configuration information is generatedat least in part by a host device.
 21. The method of claim 18 furtherincluding: (e) receiving information indicating the status of thetransferring the at least one digital image from the electronic camerato the service; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.
 22. Themethod of claim 18 wherein the network configuration informationincludes account data.
 23. A method of transferring one or more digitalimages from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including afirst digital memory for storing digital images and a second digitalmemory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising:(a) storing network configuration information in the second digitalmemory, wherein the network configuration information comprisesinformation for using a communication network to establish a connectionbetween the electronic camera and a service, and is generated at leastin part by a host device; (b) using the network configurationinformation to establish a connection with the service; and (c)transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera tothe service.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the networkconfiguration information includes a protocol type identifieridentifying a TCP/IP protocol.
 25. The method of claim 23 furtherincluding: (e) receiving information indicating the status of thetransferring the at least one digital image from the electronic camerato the service; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.
 26. Themethod of claim 23 wherein the network configuration informationincludes account data.
 27. An electronic camera for transferring one ormore digital images to a service, comprising: (a) a first digital memoryfor storing a digital image; (b) a second digital memory for storingnetwork configuration information; (c) wherein the network configurationinformation comprises information for using a communications network toestablish a connection between the electronic camera and a service, andis generated at least in part by a host device; and (d) wherein thefirst digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations on aremovable memory.